by reflecting on the identity of the European Union and the practical meaning of developing European citizenship. This is the proposal put forward by the ecumenical network Together for Europe, which on Saturday 9 May organised the event ‘A Light for Europe in a Global Twilight’ at the Teatro Rossini, the very venue from which Don Luigi Sturzo launched his ‘Appeal to the Free and Strong’ in 1919. The participants included young people and representatives from the academic and political worlds, called upon to reflect together on the founding values of the EU in the current global context. A “twilight” characterised by conflicts and crises
Leading the discussion…
Amid live musical interludes, six young people from the group Ut Omnes – founded by a group of students from LUMSA University and now expanded to include students from other universities – who will be at the European Parliament in the coming days to meet with MEPs and sign an “Intergenerational Pact”. At the heart of the debate was the issue of European citizenship, not limited solely to the institutional dimension. After all, as the young Mattia Federici emphasised in his speech, over the past few decades the EU has built ‘an extraordinary legacy’ in economic, legal and institutional terms, without, however, managing to fully instil in its citizens a genuine sense of shared belonging. European citizenship, he observed, ‘exists only in the treaties and in voting rights’
Hence the proposal to…
revitalising the European project through a new narrative, by investing in civic education and greater citizen participation in decision-making processes. But this, as Alessandra Arcidiacono – another of the young people taking part in the debate – pointed out, is not enough: ‘Citizenship is made up of laws, cultures, languages and traditions, but it is the spirit that must hold it all together’. A spirit already present in the younger generations: “Young people are already living Europe even before they can define it,” she observed. “For them, Europe is not a destination but a starting point.”
Offering a geopolitical interpretation of the current historical moment…
It was Pasquale Ferrara, ambassador and former political director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who urged those present to rediscover Europe’s original vocation as a space for dialogue and coexistence. Starting with a critique of any ‘closed’ conception of European identity, arguing that citizenship cannot be based solely on blood or descent, and citing the jurist Luigi Ferrajoli and his idea of a Constitution for the Earth, Ferrara emphasised the need for European citizenship to be situated within a broader perspective of universal citizenship. This is an achievable goal if we move beyond the image of ‘roots’ to embrace that of a ‘river’: an identity that changes, grows and transforms without losing continuity. A metaphor which, for the diplomat, aptly describes the nature of Europe, called upon to hold together its many diverse elements. After all, Europe ‘has taught the world that conflicts can be managed through the rule of law and political dialogue’. That is why, in a scenario marked by the resurgence of military force, the Old Continent should distinguish itself as a ‘gentle force’, capable of governing without succumbing to the logic of violence.
The long afternoon has come to an end…
with an ecumenical prayer service in the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, which began with opening remarks by Mons. Marco Gnavi, head of the Office for Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue and New Religious Movements of the Diocese of Rome, and featured prayers for peace led by Lutherans, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Evangelicals, Methodists, Orthodox and Catholic Christians.
Youth Group Ut Omnes_TfE Rome 9 May 2026_Photo: D. GollerPasquale Ferrara and Alberto Lo Presti_TfE Rome 9 May 2026_Photo D.GollerEurope Day_TfE Rome 9 May 2026_Photo D. GollerConference room TfE Event Rome 9 May 2026_Photo G. CiottoliEcumenical prayer_TfE Rome 9 May 2026_Photo: G. CiottoliEcumenical prayer_TfE Rome 9 May 2026_Photo: G. CiottoliEcumenical prayer_TfE Rome 9 May 2026_Photo: G. Ciottoli
In the Protomoteca Hall: Memory – Today – Prophecy
A Europe that remembers, that questions, that looks to the future and that prays: this is the vision that emerged at the event ‘Europe between memory and prophecy – 75 years after the Schuman Declaration’ promoted by Together for Europe that took place in the solemn setting of the Protomoteca Hall in the Capitol. The initiative, supported by the European Commission Representation in Italy and the Municipality of Rome, brought together scholars, young people, institutional representatives, representatives of the Orthodox, Anglican, Methodist, Waldensian and Catholic Church for an in-depth dialogue on the present and future of the continent.
The conference was opened by researcher Federico Castiglioni, who moderated the intense programme. After the Hymn of Europe, journalist Carla Cotignoli introduced the path of Together for Europe, born from the desire to combine European identity with shared spiritual values.
The programme was then divided into three moments: Memory, Today, Prophecy. During the first part, dedicated to Memory, young Carmine Maraio and historian Maria Pia Di Nonno offered a lucid look at the construction of a European identity. Particularly touching was the video remembrance dedicated to David Maria Sassoli, an emblematic figure of an open and solidarity-oriented Europe.
In the Today segment, Vaticanist Riccardo Cristiano and Megalizzi Foundation ambassador Giulia Covalea presented new European initiatives with a focus on youth participation and intergenerational communication.
A musical interlude provided by flutist Giulia Valenti gave the participants a moment of artistic reflection.
The third and final moment, Prophecy, aimed to cast our gaze into the future. The speeches by Angèle Mulibinge Kaj and Prof. Alberto Lo Presti evoked the need to rediscover Europe as a space of spirituality, welcome and responsibility.
Prayer time in the Basilica Santa Maria in Aracoeli
The atmosphere became more intimate and profound with the ecumenical prayer in the nearby Basilica Santa Maria in Aracoeli, led by representatives and ministers of different Christian denominations.
From the biblical texts read by Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic voices, to the interdenominational prayers, from the songs of the ecumenical choir composed for the occasion to the evocative ‘Sign of Light’ brought by the young people, this moment bore witness to a possible spiritual unity that transcends borders and differences. At a time marked by fractures, wars and uncertainties, the message launched by the event is clear: building a Europe of peace, solidarity and justice is not only necessary, but also urgent.
The event culminated with an interfaith blessing and a choral song: a symbol of communion between peoples, languages and faiths, in the knowledge that Europe can only find itself ‘together’.
Moderator: Federico Castiglioni, researcher at the Institute of International Affairs
First part: MEMORY
Speakers
Dr. Carmine Maraio, student of International Relations
Dr. Maria Pia Di Nonno, expert in European history
Second part: OUR CURRENT TIMES
Speakers
Riccardo Cristiano, journalist and Vatican observer for the Italian National TV station
Giulia Covalea, Ambassador for the Fondazione A. Megalizzi
Third part: PROPHECY
Speakers
Dr. Angèle Mulibinge Kaj, student of International Relations
Prof. Alberto Lo Presti, University lecturer at Lumsa University (Rome)
Immediately afterwards (scheduled time 18.45) an Ecumenical Prayer Vigil for Europe will take place in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, with the participation of numerous representatives of the Christian Churches present in Rome.
At the conclusion, there will be a “convivial and friendship” moment in a hall adjacent to the Basilica.
In Rome, at the event organised for Europe Day, I meet Aldo Bernabei, who has long been committed in the political world to create opportunities for young Europeans to meet, engage socially and work together. On this occasion, he tells me about a recent European Union Project: the European Solidarity Corps.
The European Solidarity Corps: what is it all about?
It is an EU-funded project, approved in 2018, for young men and women between the ages of 18 and 30, with the aim of developing young people’s sense of European citizenship through a period of voluntary work. It must be offered in at least three different European countries and include a prior training course.
How is it organised in concrete terms?
It is intended to offer young people the opportunity to engage in programmes aimed at the common good. Within their own countries, national associations or agencies propose the funding of projects aimed at social initiatives, helping people in poverty, also in non-European countries, or undertaking cultural activities, e.g. on the identity of their own country. These work assignments give European-level credits that can be used for entry into the labour market.
What is the long-term outlook?
It is hoped that ‘national civil services’ will be established throughout Europe, so that in the future there will be a civil service at European level and that volunteer status will be mutually recognised by all countries. To this end, an appeal was formulated>>, addressed in particular to MEPs, for their support of the Programme ‘European Solidarity Corps’ in view of a Europe of solidarity, active citizenship and peace.
On the occasion of Europe Day 2024, the 10 May the event organised in Rome took place in the S. Maria in Campitelli complex. Among the 150 or so people present, members of various Movements and Communities of the Network in Rome, were people from the European Institutions, including Hon. Silvia Costa, and Filippo Sassoli, brother of David M. Sassoli.
The keynote speech by Claudio Sardo, a long-standing journalist who has been working for several years in the secretariat of Sergio Mattarella, the President of the Republic, was of great depth. His historical and sociological analysis offered much food for thought, and his assessments underlined the principles that motivate us.
This was followed by some good practices, including those of some young people: Giulia Covalea from the A. Megalizzi Foundation, Fabiola Marotti as ‘Ambassador of a United World’ and two 5th grade students who spoke about the Mediterranean Festival.
Young people also featured in the high-level musical interludes.
At the start, it seemed quite appropriate to play Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, first played exactly 200 years ago, and since 1985 the official anthem of the European Community.
In the adjoining, spacious church, an ecumenical prayer took place; 10 Churches and Ecclesial Communities took part. Accompanied by the choir, made up of people from various Movements and Communities, prayers and intentions were expressed to emphasise peace and love of neighbour. As a tangible sign, bread was distributed to each participant: this bread was then spontaneously exchanged with others. The service ended with the solemn joint blessing of the Church representatives.
Refreshments provided an opportunity to continue and deepen relations and knowledge among the participants.
IN MILAN DEEP REFLECTIONS AND COURAGEOUS RESOLUTIONS
It was a welcoming house in Via Rovigo in Milan that saw around sixty people from Together for Europe gather for a moment of reflection, discussion and dialogue on the theme of Europe and peace. As Dolores Librale and Alfonso Fornasari affirmed, it was a true celebration of “song, relationships and prayer” to make deep reflections and courageous resolutions. There were four ‘books to leaf through’: the legacy of the Founding Fathers of the European Union, the historical experience of Eastern Europe, the universal vision of Christianity and the testimony of a European politician.
Prof. Edoardo Zin (former vice-president of the Institut Saint Benoit, patron of Europe; postulator of the cause for the beatification of Robert Schuman) did not hesitate to emphasise that “… peace will never come from the pursuit of one’s own strategic interests, but from policies capable of looking at the Whole, at the development of all, attentive to people, to the poor and to tomorrow, not only to the power, gains and opportunities of the present. For all this, Christians are called to be the sentinels keeping watch over Europe”.
Fr Traian Valdman, Archpriest, Eparchial Vicar Emeritus of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy, offered a perspective on Eastern Europe: “… I come from a world that was not free, but where Christians continued to greet each other, from Easter to Ascension, with the acclamation “Christ is risen”, in defiance of all the ideology of the regime in power”.
Prof. Emilio Florio, President of the Protestant Cultural Centre of Milan and professor of philosophy and history, took us to the “earthly garden created to host the human race”: “We are Christians precisely because we lean out beyond the boundaries to welcome, to speak to everyone…(…) The first Christians were ‘Catholics’, that is, they were universalists, they saw in the other the brother. Not just ‘those from here’.Instead, by interpreting the concept of a garden narrowly, we have built walls everywhere in Europe. (…) We are trees towering on one side towards Heaven and on the other side towards our brothers and sisters in the Universe World to which we have been called”.
David Sassoli (President of the European Parliament until his untimely death) – almost as an illustration of these phrases – through a short video prepared in 2020 was able to testify that together it is possible to achieve whatever one dreams about Europe.
IN BARI FROM SIX DIFFERENT CHURCHES
And here is the email Rita and Giulio Seller wrote to us from Bari:
“We have just concluded our Together for Europe meeting, and we are overjoyed at the success of the event. We were from six different Churches and about ten Catholic movements; in all 130 people seated and some standing. The meeting took place in a hall attached to a Christian bookstore. The bishop came and gave a greeting together with the two keynote speakers: the Lutheran Pastor of Naples-Bari, Kirsten Thie, and Giuseppe Gabrielli of the St Egidio community. The evening was enlivened by songs from the ‘Anna Sinigaglia’ ecumenical choir. It was a great opportunity to create unity between us all, and in the end we were all grateful for the success of the event”.
ECUMENICAL PRAYER FOR EUROPE IN SIENA
The attached photos say it all about the event in Siena.
